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UNDERSTANDING STROKE
     

Dr Chan Kin Ming, Changi General Hospital's Head of Geriatic Medicine discussed the signs of stroke and the chances of recovery at a recent of public forum.
 

What Is Stroke and TIAs?

Stroke is a conditions where blood supply to a part of the brain is affected, resulting in death of the brain cells. This disruption of blood supply could arise from a clot or when the blood vessel bursts. As the brain is the main organ controlling all the voluntary movements of the body, death of brain cells may result in loss of function of that part of the body which it controls.

TIAs, or transient ischaemic attacks, are "warning strokes" that can happen before a major stroke. They happen when a blood clot clogs an artery for a short time. The signs of TIA are like a stroke, but they usually last only a few minutes. Anyone who has any of the warning signs should consult a doctor immediately.
     

Signs Of Stroke Or TIA

Some or all of the symptoms listed may occur.

 

1. Sudden weakness is an arm, hand or leg.
2. Loss of feeling in one side of face or body.
3. Sudden difficulty in talking.
4. Experience dizziness or loss of balance.
5. Sudden loss of vision in one eye.
6. Suffer from severe headache.
7. Experience difficulty in understanding others

 
Dr Chan Kin Ming, Head of Geriatric Medicine sharing vital information on stroke with the public.
 
Although strokes are more common in the elderly, younger people can also have strokes particularly if they have the risk factors for it. These include uncontrolled high blood pressure, smoking and heart disease.
     

Treatments For Stroke

A number of treatments are available for acute stroke. "Clot busters" may reopen blocked vessels. "Blood thinners" reduce the risk of a second stroke dure to vessel blockage, while narrowed blood vessels in the neck causing a stroke may be reopened surgically.

Recovering From A Stroke

Rehabilitation is a very important part of recovery for many stroke survivors. The effects of the stroke may mean that patient must change, relearn or define how to live day-to-day. Stroke rehabilitation is designed to help the patient return to independent living.

While rehabilitation does not reverse the effects of a stroke, it can build up strength, capability and confidence so the patient can continue daily activities despite the effects of stroke.

  

Stroke Prevention

There are a numerous things that can be done to help prevent stroke. They include:

 

1. Stop smoking.
2. Keeping blood pressure down.
3. Eating a low-fat, low-salt diet.
4. Losing extra weight.
5. Getting regular checkups.